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Biyani's Think Tank

Concept based notes

Production and Material


Management
(BBA)

Deptt. of Management
Biyani Institute of Science and Management,

2
Published by :

Think Tanks
Biyani Group of Colleges

Concept & Copyright :

Biyani Shikshan Samiti


Sector-3, Vidhyadhar Nagar,
Jaipur-302 023 (Rajasthan)
Ph : 0141-2338371, 2338591-95 Fax : 0141-2338007
E-mail : acad@biyanicolleges.org
Website :www.gurukpo.com; www.biyanicolleges.org

First Edition : 2012

While every effort is taken to avoid errors or omissions in this Publication, any mistake or
omission that may have crept in is not intentional. It may be taken note of that neither the
publisher nor the author will be responsible for any damage or loss of any kind arising to
anyone in any manner on account of such errors and omissions.

Leaser Type Setted by :


Biyani College Printing Department

Production and Material Management

Preface

am glad to present this book, especially designed to serve the needs of the students.

The book has been written keeping in mind the general weakness in understanding the
fundamental concepts of the topics. The book is self-explanatory and adopts the Teach
Yourself style. It is based on question-answer pattern. The language of book is quite easy and
understandable based on scientific approach.
Any further improvement in the contents of the book by making corrections, omission and
inclusion is keen to be achieved based on suggestions from the readers for which the author
shall be obliged.
I acknowledge special thanks to Mr. Rajeev Biyani, Chairman & Dr. Sanjay Biyani, Director
(Acad.) Biyani Group of Colleges, who are the backbones and main concept provider and also
have been constant source of motivation throughout this Endeavour. They played an active role
in coordinating the various stages of this Endeavour and spearheaded the publishing work.
I look forward to receiving valuable suggestions from professors of various educational
institutions, other faculty members and students for improvement of the quality of the book. The
reader may feel free to send in their comments and suggestions to the under mentioned
address.
Author

PRODUCTION AND MATERIAL MANAGEMENT

Syllabus
UNIT I
Meaning and function of production management, role and responsibility of
production function in org type of production system continuous, intermittent, job
lots etc., plant layout objective type material flow pattern safety consideration and
environment aspects.
UNIT II
Production design- definition, importance, factor affecting product design product
policy-standardization, simplification, production developments, meaning
importance, factor responsible development techniques of product development.
UNIT III
Production planning and control-meaning objective, scope, importance and
procedure of production planning, routing, schedule, master production schedule,
production schedule, dispatch, follow up, production control-meaning, objectives,
factor affecting production control.
UNIT IV
Concept and importance of material management 0corporate policy, organization,
research, planning, source selection, inventory management and its prime
importance in our country today. Inventory control techinique -abc, make or buy
decision. Problem on abs analysis
UNIT V

Production and Material Management

Warehousing and store management centralized and decentralized store. Brief


introduction to various methods of store accounting. Need for stock verification

Unit I

Meaning and Function of Production


Management

Multiple Choice Questions


1.

The layout strategy that deals with low-volume, high-variety production is


a.
fixed-position layout
b.
retail layout
c.
warehouse layout
d.
office layout
e.
none of the above

2.

A good layout requires determining


a.
material handling requirements
b.
capacity and space requirements
c.
environment and aesthetics
d.
cost of moving between various work areas
e.
all of the above

3.

One of the major advantages of process-oriented layouts is


a.
high equipment utilization
b.
large work-in-process inventories
c.
flexibility in equipment and labor assignment
d.
smooth and continuous flow of work

4.

The main issue in designing process-oriented layout concerns the relative


positioning of _____ to minimize cost of material handling.
a.
work stations
b.
departments
c.
raw materials
d.
entrances, loading docks, etc.

5.

A process-oriented layout is best suited for

Production and Material Management

a.
b.
c.
d.

the assembly of products like automobiles and appliances


the mass production of uniform products
high-volume, low-variety production
low-volume, high-variety production

6.

Which of the following is true for process layouts, but false for product layouts?
a.
low in-process inventories
b.
flexibility in equipment and labor assignments
c.
low variety of products
d.
high volume of output

7.

Which type of layout is used to achieve a smooth and rapid flow of large
volumes of output?
a.
process-oriented
b.
batch-oriented
c.
product-oriented
d.
unit production
e.
fixed-position

8.

A product layout would be most appropriate in which of the following cases?


a.
a grocery store
b.
a doctor's office
c.
a gourmet restaurant
d.
a fast food restaurant
1. e 2. e

Q1
Ans

3. c 4. b

5. D 6. C

7. D 8. b

Define production and operation management?


Production/operations management is the process, which combines and
transforms various resources used in the production/operations subsystem of
the organization into value added product/services in a controlled manner as
per the policies of the organization. Therefore, it is that part of an organization,
which is
concerned with the transformation of a range of inputs intothe
required (products/services) having the requisite quality level.
The set of interrelated management activities, which are involved in
manufacturing certain products, is called as production management.

Production function is that part of an organization, which is concerned with the


transformation of a range of inputs into the required outputs (products) having
the requisite quality level.
Production is defined as the step-by-step conversion of one form of material into
another form through chemical or mechanical process to create or enhance the utility
of the product to the user. Thus production is a value addition process.
Some examples of production are: manufacturing custom-made products like,
boilers with a specific capacity, constructing flats, some structural fabrication
works for selected customers, etc., and manufacturing standardized products
like, car, bus, motor cycle, radio, television, etc.
The term production is used to indicate a process through which raw materials
are converted into finished product. In other words, it transforms the various
inputs, such as raw materials, labour, money, management, etc. into output, i.e.,
goods and services. The place where such transformation takes place is known as
factory. Production process can be undertaken either manually or mechanically.

Q2
Ans

What are the features of production function?


The following are the features of the production function:
1.
It involves transformation of raw materials into finished product.
2.
The place where production takes place is known as a factory.
3.
Production is undertaken in various departments, such as production and
service department of a factory.
4.
Production may involve more than one process or operation.
5.
It can be undertaken either manually or mechanically.
6.
It is based on technology which may be either indigenous or imported.
7.
Production is undertaken on large scale basis in recent times.
8.
Production process involves combination of resources, such as materials,
men, money,machinery, management.
9.
Production process leads to uniformity of finished goods.
10.
In modern times, production process is highly specialised.

Q3
Ans

How production function is important in organization?


Production function is a basic function of an industrial organisation around
which all other functions of the organisation, such as purchasing, financing,
marketing, storing, personnel, research and development, revolve. It is,
therefore,
very essential that the production function is managed effectively
and efficiently so as to achieve the organisations goals. The main aim of every
production system is to produce the goods and services economically to the
full satisfaction
of the customer for which they are meant. In order to
achieve this aim, it is essential to plan, organise, direct and control the

Production and Material Management

production system. In fact, these functions of planning, organising, directing


and controlling comprise the production management.
Q.4
Ans

1.

Write the Scope of production management?


The scope of any subject refers to the areas of study. The production
management has a wide scope. The following aspects are said fall under the
purview of production management.
Planning physical facilities
Whenever an idea of starting production in a factory is conceived by an
industrialist, he has to plan itsformative aspects. This involves determining the
place of incorporation and selection of a suitable siteto construct a factory
building. Next follows the plan relating to the layout of the factory and design
of the factory building. The factory building must be constructed so as to provide
better working conditionsto the employees. So, this involves provision of
adequate physical facilities with the factory for lighting,ventilation, airconditioning, sanitation and noise control. Planning must also be done for the
proper maintenance of plant, machineries and other equipments

2.

Organisation of production
The term production organisation is used both in a broad and narrow sense. In
its broad sense, it implies the arrangement of all the factors of production, such
as raw materials, labourers, machines,money and management required for
production. Having procured these factors, necessary efforts aremade to utilise
them to the fullest extent possible so as to maximise production. In its narrow
sense, the term organisation is concerned with setting up the internal
organisation structure of the factory

3.

Materials management
Materials Management is concerned with controlling the kind, amount,
location, movement, and timing of the various commodities used and produced
by the factory. Materials use up substantial portion of the capital invested in the
factories and thus demand continuing and considerable attention from the
management. Many factories failures of the direct result outgrowth of excessive
inventories.

Q4
Ans

What are the different types of production system?


The types of production system are grouped under two categories viz.,
Intermittent production system, and
Continuous production system
Intermittent production system
Intermittent means something that starts (initiates) and stops (halts) at irregular
(unfixed) intervals (time gaps).In the intermittent production system, goods are
produced based on customer's orders. These goods are produced on a small

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scale. The flow of production is intermittent (irregular). In other words, the flow
of production is not continuous. In this system, large varieties of products are
produced. These products are of different sizes. The design of these products
goes on changing. It keeps changing according to the design and size of the
product. Therefore, this system is very flexible.
Following are examples on the intermittent production system.
The work of a goldsmith is purely based on the frequency of his customer's
orders. The goldsmith makes goods (ornaments) on a small-scale basis as per his
customer's requirements. Here, ornaments are not done on a continuous basis.
The characteristics of an intermittent production system are listed as follows:
The flow of production is not continuous. It is intermittent.
Wide varieties of products are produced.
The volume of production is small.
General purpose machines are used. These machines can be used to produce
different types of products.
The sequence of operation goes on changing as per the design of the product.
The quantity, size, shape, design, etc. of the product depends on the customer's
orders.
The types of intermittent production system include:
Project production flows,
Jobbing production flows, and
Batch production flows.
Continuous production system
Continuous means something that operates constantly without any irregularities
or frequent halts.
In the continuous production system, goods are produced constantly as per
demand forecast. Goods are produced on a large scale for stocking and selling.
They are not produced on customer's orders. Here, the inputs and outputs are
standardized along with the production process and sequence.
Following are examples on the continuous production system
The production system of a food industry is purely based on the demand
forecast. Here, a large-scale production of food takes place. It is also a continuous
production.

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The characteristics of a continuous production system are listed as follows:


The flow of production is continuous. It is not intermittent.
The products are standardized.
The products are produced on predetermined quality standards.
The products are produced in anticipation of demand.
Standardized routing sheets and schedules are prepared.
The types of continuous production system include:
Mass production flows, and
Process production flows.
Q.5
Ans

Define plant layout?


Plant layout refers to the arrangement of physical facilities such as machinery,
equipment, furniture etc. with in the factory building in such a manner so as to
have quickest flow of material at the lowest cost and with the least amount of
handling in processing the product from the receipt of material to the shipment
of the finished product.

Q.6
Ans

What is plant location?


Plant location refers to the choice of region and the selection of a particular site
for setting up a business or factory.

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But the choice is made only after considering cost and benefits of different
alternative sites. It is a strategic decision that cannot be changed once taken. If at
all changed only at considerable loss, the location should be selected as per its
own requirements and circumstances. Each individual plant is a case in itself.
Businessman should try to make an attempt for optimum or ideal location
plant location may be understood as function of determining where plant should
be located for maximum operating economy and effectiveness.
EX-M/S samrat thermo plastic industries ,are manufacturers of mixer and
grinders ,located in Raipur district in M.P .seventy five %of raw material
required by them had to de bought from Mumbai and 75%of finised goods had
to be marketed in pune and Mumbai. to overcome this difficulty ,it was decided
to shift entire plant to pune.
Q.7
Ans

What is an ideal location?


An ideal location is one where the cost of the product is kept to minimum, with a
large market share, the least risk and the maximum social gain. It is the place of
maximum net advantage or which gives lowest unit cost of production and
distribution. For achieving this objective, small-scale entrepreneur can make use
of locational analysis for this purpose.

Q.8
Ans

What are the objectives and factors of efficient plant layout?


Following are the objectives of efficient plant layout:
a)
Proper and efficient utilization of available floor space
b)
To ensure that work proceeds from one point to another point without
any delay
c)
Provide enough production capacity.
d)
Reduce material handling costs
e)
Reduce hazards to personnel
f)
Utilise labour efficiently
g)
Increase employee morale
h)
Reduce accidents
i)
Provide for volume and product flexibility
j)
Provide ease of supervision and control
k)
Provide for employee safety and health
l)
Allow ease of maintenance
m)
Allow high machine or equipment utilization
n)
Improve productivity

Factors effecting plant layout:


i)
Material-type and size of material influence facility layout.EX.67 km
slurry pipelines carries iron ore from kudremukh iron ore project to
manglore port..

Production and Material Management

ii)
iii)
iv)
iv)
v)
vi)
Q.9
Ans

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product-type of product whether it is heavy ,light,small big ,liquid,or


solid influence facility layout.
worker
machinery
type of industry
location
managerial policies.

What are the types of plant layout?


Types of plant layout:
1. Process layout These layouts are also called the functional layouts and are
very suitable in the conditions, when the products being prepared are non
standard or involve wide variations in times of processing of the individual
operations. Such layouts are able to make better utilization of the equipment that
is available, with greater flexibility in allocation of work to the equipment and
also to the workers. Imbalance caused in one section is not allowed to affect the
working of the other sections.
. Under this, machines are grouped in one sequence. Therefore materials are fed
into the first machine and finished goods travel automatically from machine to
machine, the output of one machine becoming input of the next, e.g. in a paper
mill, bamboos are fed into the machine at one end and paper comes out at the
other end. The grouping of machines should be done keeping in mind the
following general principles.
a)
All the machine tools or other items of equipments must be placed at the
point demanded by the sequence of operations
b)
There should no points where one line crossed another line.
c)
Materials may be fed where they are required for assembly but not
necessarily at one point.
d)
All the operations including assembly, testing packing must be included
in the line

A line layout for two products is given.

Product A

Product B

Suitability: Product layout is useful under following conditions:


1) Mass production of standardized products
2) Simple and repetitive manufacturing process

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3) Operation time for different process is more or less equal


4) Reasonably stable demand for the product
5) Continuous supply of materials
Therefore, the manufacturing units involving continuous manufacturing process,
producing few standardized products continuously on the firms own
specifications and in anticipation of sales would prefer product layout e.g.
Chemicals, sugar, paper, rubber, refineries, cement, automobiles, food processing
and electronics etc.
(b) Process layout:
In this type of layout machines of a similar type are arranged together at one
place. E.g. Machines performing drilling operations are arranged in the drilling
department, machines performing casting operations be grouped in the casting
department. Therefore the machines are installed in the plants, which follow the
process layout.
Hence, such layouts typically have drilling department, milling department,
welding department, heating department and painting department etc. The
process or functional layout is followed from historical period. It evolved from
the handicraft method of production. The work has to be allocated to each
department in such a way that no machines are chosen to do as many different
job as possible i.e. the emphasis is on general purpose machine.
The work, which has to be done, is allocated to the machines according to
loading schedules with the object of ensuring that each machine is fully loaded.
Process layout is shown in the following diagram.

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Process layout showing movement of two products


The grouping of machines according to the process has to be done keeping in
mind the following principles
a) The distance between departments should be as short as possible for avoiding
long distance movement of materials
b) The departments should be in sequence of operations
c) The arrangement should be convenient for inspection and supervision
Suitability: Process layout is adopted when
1. Products are not standardized
2. Quantity produced is small
3. There are frequent changes in design and style of product
4. Job shop type of work is done
5. Machines are very expensive
Thus, process layout or functional layout is suitable for job order production
involving non-repetitive processes and customer specifications and
nonstandardized products, e.g. tailoring, light and heavy engineering products,
made to order furniture industries, jewelry.
(c) Fixed Position or Location Layout
In this type of layout, the major product being produced is fixed at one location.
Equipment labour and components are moved to that location. All facilities are
brought and arranged around one work center. This type of layout is not
relevant for small scale entrepreneur. The following figure shows a fixed position
layout regarding shipbuilding.

Suitability: The fixed position layout is followed in following conditions


1.
Manufacture of bulky and heavy products such as locomotives, ships, boilers,
generators, wagon building, aircraft manufacturing, etc.
2.
Construction of building, flyovers, dams.
3.
Hospital, the medicines, doctors and nurses are taken to the patient (product).

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(d) Combined layout


Certain manufacturing units may require all three processes namely intermittent
process (job shops), the continuous process (mass production shops) and the
representative process combined process [i.e. miscellaneous shops]. In most of
industries, only a product layout or process layout or fixed location layout does
not exist. Thus, in manufacturing concerns where several products are produced
in repeated numbers with no likelihood of continuous production, combined
layout is followed. Generally, a combination of the product and process layout or
other combination are found, in practice, e.g. for industries involving the
fabrication of parts and assembly, fabrication tends to employ the process layout,
while the assembly areas often employ the product layout. In soap,
manufacturing plant, the machinery manufacturing soap is arranged on the
product line principle, but ancillary services such as heating, the manufacturing
of glycerin, the power house, the water treatment plant etc. are arranged on a
functional basis.
Q.10 What are the safety consideration and environmental aspects in plant layout?
Ans Minimum Handling of Materials:
A good plant layout takes into consideration the various flows of materials inside
the plant thus minimizing the handling of materials..
Minimum Damage and Spoilage of Materials:
If adequate consideration regarding the handling and storage of materials is
given, it automatically minimizes damage and spoilage of materials.
Reduced Congestion of Materials, Machinery and Men:
A good physical layout should eliminate confusion in the plant. By doing so, it
not only makes the life of the supervisor easier but also contributes towards
overall improvements in the productivity of the shop.
Flexibility with Regard to Changing Production Conditions:
A good layout, that is a good spatial system, should be one that is adaptable or
flexible enough to take care of probable future changes in the volume of
production, in the range of products manufactured, and changes in the
method/processes of production.

Production and Material Management

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Unit II

Production design

Multiple Choice Questions


1.

Which of the following is true about business strategies?


a.
An organization should stick with its strategy for the life of the business.
b.
All firms within an industry will adopt the same strategy.
c.
Well defined missions make strategy development much easier.
d.
Strategies are formulated independently of SWOT analysis.
e.
Organizational strategies depend on operations strategies.

2.

The fundamental purpose for the existence of any organization is described by its
a.
policies
b.
mission
c.
procedures
d.
strategy
e.
tactics

3.

Which of the following activities takes place once the mission has been
developed?
a.
The firm develops alternative or back-up missions in case the original
mission fails.
b.
The functional areas develop their functional area strategies.
c.
The functional areas develop their supporting missions.
d.
The ten OM decision areas are prioritized.
e.
Operational tactics are developed

4.

Which of the following statements about organizational missions is false?


a.
They reflect a company's purpose.
b.
They indicate what a company intends to contribute to society.
c.
They are formulated after strategies are known.
d.
They define a company's reason for existence.
e.
They provide guidance for functional area missions.

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5.

The impact of strategies on the general direction and basic character of a


company is
a.
short ranged
b.
medium range
c.
long range
d.
temporal
e.
minimal

6.

The fundamental purpose of an organization's mission statement is to


a.
create a good human relations climate in the organization
b.
define the organization's purpose in society
c.
define the operational structure of the organization
d.
generate good public relations for the organization
e.
define the functional areas required by the organization

7.

Which of the following is true?


a.
Corporate mission is shaped by functional strategies.
b.
Corporate strategy is shaped by functional strategies.
c.
Functional strategies are shaped by corporate strategy.
d.
External conditions are shaped by corporate mission.
e.
Corporate mission is shaped by functional strategies.

8.

According to the authors, which of the following strategic concepts allow firms
to achieve their missions?
a.
productivity, efficiency, and quality leadership
b.
differentiation, cost leadership, and quick response
c.
differentiation, quality leadership, and quick response
d.
distinctive competency, cost leadership, and experience
e.
differentiation, distinctive competency, quality, leadership, and capacity

9.

A firm can effectively use its operations function to yield competitive advantage
via all of the following except
a.
customization of the product
b.
set equipment utilization goals below the industry average
c.
speed of delivery
d.
constant innovation of new products
e.
maintain a variety of product options

10.

Which of the following is not an operations strategy?


a.
response
b.
low-cost leadership
c.
differentiation

Production and Material Management

d.
e.

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technology
marketing

11.

Which of the following is not a key way in which business organizations


compete with one-another?
a.
production cost
b.
quality
c.
product duplication
d.
flexibility
e.
time to perform certain activities

12.

A strategy is a(n)
a.
set of opportunities in the marketplace
b.
broad statement of purpose
c.
simulation used to test various product line options
d.
plan for cost reduction
e.
action plan to achieve the mission

13.

Which of the following statements best characterizes delivery reliability?


a.
a company that always delivers on the same day of the week
b.
a company that always delivers at the promised time
c.
a company that delivers more frequently than its competitors
d.
a company that delivers faster than its competitors
e.
a company that has a computerized delivery scheduling system

14.

Which of the following is an example of competing on the basis of


differentiation?
a.
A firm manufactures its product with less raw material waste than its
competitors.
b.
A firm's products are introduced into the market faster than its
competitors'.
c.
A firm's distribution network routinely delivers its product on time.
d.
A firm offers more reliable products than its competitors.
e.
A firm advertises more than its competitors.

15.

Which of the following statements best characterizes delivery speed?


a.
a company that uses airlines, not trucks, to move its goods
b.
a company that delivers frequently
c.
a company that delivers faster than its competitors
d.
a company that always delivers on the promised due date
e.
a company that has a computerized delivery scheduling system

Multiple Choice Answers

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1. c , 2. B, 3. C, 4. C, 5. C, 6. B, 7. c
8. b, 9. B, 10. D, 11. C, 12. E, 13. B, 14. D, 15. c
Q.1
Ans

What is production design?


Designing new products and getting them in market is the challenge facing
manufacturers in industries as diverse as computer chips and potato chips.
Profitability of firm or success depend upon product design. in production
design 3 concept are important:
1
Product design: Concerned with form and function of a product. it
refers to the arrangement of elements or parts that collectively form a
product.
2
Process design: concerned with the overall sequence of operation
required to achieve the design specification of the product.
3
Production design: concept of designing products from the point of view
of profitability

Q.2
Ans

What are important factors affecting production design?


1. Customers requirements
2. Production facilities
3. Raw-materials to be used
4. Cost to price ratio
5. Quality policy
6. Plant and machineries
7. Effect on existing products
8. Reputation of the company

Q.3
Ans

What do you mean by standardization and simplification?


Simplification is a process of product analysis through which unnecessary
varieties and designs are eliminated. Only a limited number of grades, types and
sizes of the product are retained.
Standardization
Standardization
is
the
second
step
after
simplification
towards interchangeable manufacturing. Having selected the varieties and
grades of the products to be retained as much of its manufacturing details are
standardized as possible.
Since manufacturing involves a large number of decisions from selection of raw
material to the process used for finishing, standardization of some of these items
reduce unnecessary repetition of work. Use of standard components reduces
inventory costs, ensures interchangeability and makes future maintenance easier.

Q.4

What do you mean by product development?

Production and Material Management

Ans

21

Product means any marketable thing with some utility in it, produced either by a
labour or through series of automated processes.
Development is an act of making or achieving a continuous progress in
something by someone. Progress transit from an earlier policy (traditional
approach) to an advanced policy (modern approach).
Product development is a specialized activity. It is done to improve the existing
product or to introduce a new product in the market. It is also done to improve
the earlier features or techniques or systems.
Generally, it means a new-product development.
Product development takes place, works or functions as under:
Creation of an entirely new product or upgrading an existing product by
exploring all possibilities and outcomes.
Innovation of a new or an existing product to deliver better and enhanced
services to end-users.
Continuous improvement of a new product or enhancing an existing product by
giving preference to satisfy the demand of end-users.
Enhancing the utility of a new product or upgrading features of an existing
product, for the personal and/or commercial use, to expand the defined goal
(objective).
Following are some common examples of product development.
Packing wheat flour in retail bags for household consumption.
Packing cooking oil in retail pouches for household consumption.

Q.5
Ans

Write the technique of product development?


Idea Generation

22

Many methods are available for the idea generation stage such as brainstorming,
Delphi and focus groups. The basic approach is to harness creativity in some
form for the development of new ideas. While there is much to recommend for
the more qualitative approaches, one of the drawbacks is the lack of quantitative
validity to the ideas at this stage. That is, the ideas have not been shown to have
popularity in the constituency that matters the customers. We have found that
the Smart Incentives approach can provide both creativity and validation in the
same step. Respondents to a survey compete with each other to produce ideas
thus introducing creativity into the process. The generated ideas are then
evaluated by a peer group to provide the required market validation.
Feature Development
Feature development is the process of identifying features that would be of
interest to customers. Traditional methods such as Importance Scales can be
used, but
may not provide sufficient discrimination between features.
Pairwise
comparisons of features are a straightforward method for
identifying feature importance. The task is simple, but can be tedious if a large
list of features needs to be culled. More recently developed methods such as
Max-Diff scaling can provide a better alternative. Max-Diff is similar to pairwise
comparison, except that more than two features are evaluated at a time (3-5) and
the most and least preferred alternative is chosen from each set.
Product Development
In this stage, combinations of features are used to build or evaluate the product.
The Configurator allows survey respondents to build their ideal product by
selecting from a list of available features. Usually prices are provided at the
feature level to ensure that respondents make realistic decisions. As respondents
build their own ideal products, the most popular features and feature
combinations rise to the surface, resulting in the automatic development of
preference based market segments
Product Testing
Conjoint analysis can be fruitfully used in this stage also to estimate the interest
in various product combinations and especially in running market simulations.
The latter ability is very important in cases where a strong competitive market
exists and reasonable estimates of take rates and ability to choose the ideal
combination for the market are requisites. Concept testing is much more limited
than conjoint and is usually used when the product is almost set except for
perhaps one or two questions, often relating to price.

Production and Material Management

23

Unit III

Production Planning and Control

Multiple Choice Questions


1.

Which of the following is true regarding forward scheduling? Forward


scheduling is the scheduling of
a.
the end items or finished products
b.
jobs as soon as the requirements are known
c.
the start items or component parts
d.
the final operation first beginning with the due date

2.

Which of the following best describes how short-term schedules are prepared?
Short-term schedules are prepared
a.
directly from the aggregate plans
b.
directly from the capacity plans
c.
from inventory records for items that have been used up
d.
from master schedules which are derived from aggregate plans

3.

Which scheduling technique should be employed when due dates are important
for a job order?
a.
forward scheduling
b.
loading
c.
dispatching
d.
backward scheduling
e.
master scheduling

4.

Which of the following is not an effectiveness criterion for scheduling?


a.
maximizing flow time
b.
minimizing completion time
c.
minimizing WIP inventory
d.
maximizing utilization

5.

Forward scheduling

24

a.
b.
c.
d.

begins with a delivery date, then each operation is offset one at a time, in
reverse order
is well suited where the supplier is usually able to meet precise delivery
dates
tends to minimize in-process inventory
assumes that procurement of material and operations start as soon as
requirements are known

6.

Which file contains important information regarding an item's flow through the
shop?
a.
routing file
b.
work center master file
c.
control files
d.
item master file

7.

Which of these is not part of the planning files of a production planning and
control system?
a.
a progress file
b.
a work center master file
c.
an item master file
d.
a routing file

8.

Which of the following files tracks work order progress?


a.
work center master files
b.
routing files
c.
item master files
d.
control files

9.

The production database containing information about each of the components


that a firm produces or purchases is the
a.
routing file
b.
work center master file
c.
control file
d.
item master file

10.

The short-term scheduling activity called loading


a.
assigns dates to specific jobs or operations steps
b.
specifies the order in which jobs should be done at each center
c.
assigns jobs to work centers
d.
assigns workers to jobs

11.

The assignment method is


a.
a method to highlight overloads in a given work center

Production and Material Management

b.
c.
d.

25

a computerized method of determining appropriate tasks for an operation


a form of linear programming for optimally assigning tasks or jobs to
resources
the same thing as the Gantt schedule chart

12.

A scheduling technique used to achieve optimum, one-to-one matching of tasks


and resources is
a.
the assignment method
b.
Johnson's rule
c.
the CDS Algorithm
d.
the appointment method

13.

Which of the following is an aid used to monitor jobs in process?


a.
a Gantt load chart
b.
the assignment method
c.
a Gantt schedule chart
d.
Johnson's Rule

14.

If an assignment problem consists of 6 workers and 7 projects,


a.
one worker will not get a project assignment
b.
one worker will be assigned two projects
c.
each worker will contribute work toward the seventh project
d.
one project will not get a worker assigned

15.

Orders are processed in the sequence in which they arrive if (the) ______ rule
sequences the jobs.
a.
earliest due date
b.
slack time remaining
c.
first come, first serve
d.
critical ratio

Chapter 15: Multiple Choice Answers


1. b, 2. D, 3. D, 4. A, 5. D, 6. A, 7. a
8. d, 9. D, 10. C, 11. C, 12. A, 13. C, 14. D, 15. c

Q.1
Ans

What is production planning control?


Production planning and control is one of the most important phases of
production management, it is, as a matter of fact, the nervous system of a
manufacturing organisation. In manufacturing organisation, it is essential that
production is carried on in the best manner at the lowest cost, and the goods are
of right quality and are produced at the proper time.

26

The concept of production planning and control can be better understood with
reference to a few definitions:
According to Spriegel and Lansburgh. Production planning and control is the
process of planning production in advance of operations: establishing the exact
route of individual item, part, or assembly; setting, starting, and finishing dates
for each important item, assembly, or the finished product; and releasing the
necessary order as well as initiating the required follow up to effectuate the
smooth function of the enterprise.
Q.2
Ans

Write the Objectives of Production Planning and Control?


Basically production control function involves the coordination and integration
of the factors of production or production facilities to produce a product at an
optimum efficiency. An elaborate definition of production control is given below:
Production control is the function of directing and regulating the orderly
movement of goods through the entire production cycle form the requisitioning
of raw materials to the delivery of finished products to meet the objectives of (i)
customer service, (ii) minimum inventory investment and (iii) maximum
production efficiency.

Q.3
Ans

Write the Importance of Production Planning and Control?


1.
Plants Nervous Systems: Production planning and control coordinates
and regulates all plant operations just as our nervous system regulates
and coordinates the breathing and muscular movement.
2.
Intermittent Process Industry: In intermittent process industry, under
batch production, goods are made as per order. in such industries
production planning and control become absolutely necessary to assure
deliveries as planned and as demanded by customers.
3.
Cost Control: Good production planning and control help optimize the
utilization of men, machinery, materials and money through effective
planning, organizing motivating and controlling multifarious operations
in the plant. The net result is reflected in reducing all costs to the
minimum.
4.
Developing Economy: In a developing economy, production planning
and control is a boon for optimum use of scarce economic resources
particularly capital, machinery and equipment. Proper planning and
adequate control can accelerate industrial productivity and consequently
helps develop economy.
5.
Rationalization of Plant Operations: Production planning and control
helps rationalization of plant operations and helps optimum utilization of
plant and machinery.

Production and Material Management

Q.4
Ans

27

Explain the steps in Production Planning and Control?


1. Planning
2. Routing
3. Scheduling
4. Dispatching
5. Expediting
1. Planning
Production plansdetermine what will be produced and where, at what type, by
whom, and how. For detailed planning of operations, the relevant information
may be obtained from several sources in the enterprise. Information about
quantity and quality of products to be manufactured may be obtained from
customers orders and the sales budget, and information about production
facilities may be obtained from the management and the engineering
department.
2. Routing
The next important function of production planning and control is routing which
involves the determination of the path (i.e. route) of movement of raw materials
through various machines and operations in the factory. Routing,,
includes the planning of where and by whom work shall be done, the
determination of the path that work shall follow, and the necessary sequence of
operations.
The most efficient routing may have to be compromised with the availability of
the machines at a particular time. In other words, routing establishes the
operations, their path and sequence, and the proper class of machines and
personnel required for these operations.
3. Scheduling
Scheduling is planning the time element of production i.e. prior determination
of when work is to be done. It consists of the starting and completion times for
the various operations to be performed. In other words, scheduling function
determines when an operation is to be performed, or when work is to be
completed, the difference lies in the details of the scheduling procedure.
Schedules are of two types: Master schedule and Detailed schedule. Activities, if
recorded on plant-wise basis, would be preparing master schedule, while mere
detailed schedules are employed to plan the manufacturing and assembly
operations required for each product.
4. Dispatching

28

Dispatching is the part of production control that translates the paper work
into actual production. It is the group that coordinates and translates planning
into actual production. dispatching function proceeds in accordance with the
details worked out under routing and scheduling functions.
These orders contain the following information:
The name of the product;
The name of the part to be produced, sub-assembly or final assembly;
The order number;
The quantity to be produced;
Descriptions and numbers of the operations required and their sequence,
The departments involved in each operation
5. Expediting
The aim is to ensure that what is intended and planned is being implemented.
Expediting consists in reporting production data and investigating variances
from predetermined time schedules. The main idea behind expedition is to see
that promise is backed up by performance. It includes the following functions:
(i)
Check-up to ensure that all materials, tools, component parts, and
accessories are available at all work centres in specified quantities for
starting and carrying out manufacturing operations.
(ii)
Check-up on the status of work-in-progress and completed work at
various work stations.
(iii) Preparation of progress records and keeping the control boards
up-to-date.
(iv) Reporting to manufacturing management on all significant deviations so
that corrective action may be taken.
REQUIREMENTS OF AN EFFICIENT SYSTEM OF PRODUCTION PLANNING
AND CONTROL
The scheme of production planning and control system will require reliable
information about productive capacities and production standards, a sound
organizational structure, and trained and competent personnel, for it successful
operations. These requirements are enumerated below:
1.
Reliable information about productive capacity and production standards:
a.
Complete knowledge of products be manufactured
b.
Detailed information about the number and types of each machine
and processing unit together with the complete data on power,
speeds, and feeds of all machines.
c.
Full information relating to production materials which are to be
used.
d.
Accurate knowledge of job analysis particulars as to the work to
be performed, and the type of skill required.

Production and Material Management

e.

29

Information relating to completion times of all previous operations


and their actual cost.

ADVANTAGES OF PRODUCTION PLANNING AND CONTROL


1.
Efficient Service to Customers: The greatest advantage of a proper system of
production planning and control is that it renders prompt and economical
service to customers.
2.

3.

4.

5.

Lower Investment: Proper production planning and control holds investment to


the minimum necessary level by avoiding unnecessary stock inventories and
machines.
Reduced Costs: Good production planning and control means minimum waste
of materials and labour efforts, avoidance of idle machine time, and fewer
production interruptions
Higher Morale of Workers: Good production planning and control system avoids
rush orders, maintaining an even flow of work, and providing congenial
working conditions.
Better Public Relations: A well-planned and well-controlled production system
not only reduces investment and costs for the enterprise, but also improves its
image with the outside public.

Thus, a good and efficient system of production planning and control is


beneficial to the manufacturer, workers, customers and the society.

30

Unit IV

Concept and Importance of Material


Management

Q.1
Ans

What is material management?


Materials management is concerned with planning, directing and controlling
the kind, amount, location, movement and timing of the various flows of
commodities (goods flow) used in and produced by a business enterprise.
IMPORTANCE OF MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
Materials management offers greater promise as a cost reducing device. Better
and scientific management of material can not only bring about substantial cost
savings but also result in improved production capacity of plants, savings of
labour time, reduction in inventories, reduction in storage space, reduction in
damage to materials, smooth flow of production, easier production control,
reduced employee fatigue, and so on.
Material management system has four branches (i) procurement or purchasing,
(ii) store keeping or inventory control, (iii) material handling, and (iv) transport
of material from the producer to the consumer.
Objectives of Inventory Management
The primary objectives of inventory management are:
(i)
To minimize the possibility of disruption in the production schedule of a
firm for want of raw material, stock and spares.
(ii)
To keep down capital investment in inventories.
So it is essential to have necessary inventories. Excessive inventory is an idle
resource of a concern. The concern should always avoid this situation. The
investment in inventories should be just sufficient in the optimum level. The
major dangers of excessive inventories are:
(i)
the unnecessary tie up of the firms funds and loss of profit.
(ii)
excessive carrying cost, and
(iii)
the risk of liquidity.

Q.2
Ans

Importance of inventory control in our country?


1)
An efficient inventory control system minimizes the possibility of delay in
production. there is no danger of closure of plant, unemployment, lower
dividend and replacement of management a dark picture resulting out

Production and Material Management

2)

3)
4)
5)
6)

Q.3
Ans

31

of poor inventory control.


It helps a company to secure many economies. For instance, no
duplication in ordering, better use of available materials by inter
department transfers, economies due to bulk purchases such as low
freight, higher discount, lower price, less clerical work etc.
It is necessary for efficient accounting system, particularly for material
aspect of cost accounting.
It discourages dishonesty, e.g. stealing material from the plant.
It expedites preparation of financial statements.
Losses, damages, deterioration of materials can be minimized and
enables careful material-handling.

Describe tecniques of inventory control?


Inventory consists of stock of raw materials, work-in-progress, spare pa
consumables for production and finished goods for sale. Thus, inventory com
includes control over raw materials, spare parts, consumables, partly finished
goods, and finished goods. The following are the common techniques of
inventory control:
1. Determination of various levels of materials
2. Economic Order Quantity
3. ABC Analysis
4. Perpetual Inventory System
1. Determination of Various Levels of Materials
The store-keeper plays an important role in deciding upon the various levels
materials. In order to ensure that the optimum quantity of materials is purchased
stocked neither less nor more, the store keeper applies scientific techniques of
material management. Fixing of certain levels for each item of materials in one of
techniques.
These levels are not permanent but require revision according to the change in
the factors which determine these levels. The following levels are generally fixed.
(a) Re-order Level
(b) Maximum Level
(c) Minimum Level
(d) Average Level
(e) Danger Level
(a) Re-order Level:
Re-order level can be calculated by applying the following formula:
Re-order level = Minimum level + consumption during period required to get
fresh delivery
Another formula for Re-order level is:
Re-order level = Maximum consumption x Maximum Re-order Period

32

Illustration-1
Calculate Re-order level for a material from the following information: Minimum
level - 1,000 units Maximum level - 6,000 units Time required to get fresh
delivery - 15 days. Daily consumption of the material - 100 units.
Solution:
Re-order level = Minimum Level + Consumption during the period required to
get fresh delivery
= 1,000 units + (100 x 15) = 2,500 units.
Illustration-2
Calculate Re-order Level from the following particulars: Minimum consumption
- 80 units' Maximum consumption - 120 units Re-order period - 10-12 days
Solution:
Re-order Level = Maximum consumption x maximum Re-order period = 120
units x 12 = 1,440 units
(b) Maximum Level:
The maximum level is that level of stock which can be held at any time. In other
words, it is the level beyond which stock should not be maintained. The purpose
is to avoid over-stocking and thereby using working capital in a proper way.
This level is fixed after taking into account the following factors:
(i) Rate of consumption
(ii) Lead time
(iii) Availability of capital
(iv) Storage capacity
(v) Cost of maintaining stores including insurance cost
Maximum level can be calculated by applying the following formula:
Maximum Level = Re-order level + Re-order Quantity - (Minimum consumption
x Minimum Re-order period)
(c) Minimum Level:
This is the level below which the stock of an item should not fall. This is known
as safety or buffer stock. An enterprise must maintain minimum quantity of
stock so that the production is not hampered due to non-availability of materials.
This level is fixed after considering the following factors:
(i) Re-order level
(ii) Lead time
(iii) Rate of consumption
The formula for calculating minimum level is:

Production and Material Management

33

Minimum level = Re-order level - (Normal consumption x Normal Re-order


period)
2. Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)
The economic order quantity, known as EOQ, represents the most favorable
quantity to be ordered each time fresh orders are placed.
The quantity to be ordered is called economic order quantity because the
purchase of this size of material is most economical. It is helpful to determine in
advance as to how much should one buy when the stock level reaches the reorder level. If large quantities arc purchased, the carrying costs would be large.
On the other hand, if small quantities are purchased at frequent intervals the
ordering costs would be high. The economic order quantity is fixed at such a
level as to minimise the cost of ordering and carrying the stock. It is the size of
the order which produces the lowest cost of material ordered.
While determining the economic order quantity, the following three cost factors
are taken into consideration:
(i)
The cost of the material
(ii)
The inventory carrying cost
(iii)
The ordering cost
Where, EOQ = Economic order quantity.
C = Annual consumption or usage of material in units.
0 = Cost of placing one feeder including the cost of receiving the goods.
1 = Cost of carrying one unit of inventory for one year.
Assumptions in the Calculation of Economic Order Quantity:
The economic order quantity is based on the following assumptions:
Quantity of the item to be consumed during a particular period is known with
certainty.
The pattern of consumption of material is constant and uniform throughout the
period.
Cost per unit is constant and known and quantity discount is not involved.
Ordering cost and carrying cost are known and they are fixed per unit and will
remain constant throughout the period.
IlIustration-4
From the following information, calculate the economic order quantity: Annual
consumption - 10,000 units Cost of material per unit - Rs.10 Cost of placing and
receiving one order - Rs.50 Annual carrying cost of one unit - 10% of inventory
value.
Solution:
Where, C = Annual consumption of materials in units = 10,000 units

34

O = Cost of placing one order including the cost of receiving = Rs.50 I = Carrying
cost per unit per annum = 10% of Rs.10 = Re.1.
Economic order quantity can also be calculated by using the tabular method. A
comparison of total costs at different order sizes is made to determine the
economic order quantity. The order size having the least total cost is accepted as
economic order quantity. At this point, both carrying costs and ordering costs
would be equal.
Taking the figures from the illustration 4, calculate the economic order quantity
by using the tabular method.
Solution:
The above table reveals that the cost of placing order for materials and the
carrying costs are exactly equal when the order quantity is 1,000 units. At this
point, the total cost is also the least. Hence, the economic order quantity is 1,000
units and the number of orders per year would be 10.
3.

ABC Analysis
This technique of inventory control is also known as Always Better Control
technique. ABC analysis is an analytical method of control which aims at
concentrating efforts on those areas where attention is needed most.
This is a principle of selective control. The emphasis of ABC analysis technique is
that the management should concentrate its energy in controlling those items
that mostly affect the organisational objects. Manufacturing concerns find it
useful to group the materials into three classes on the basis of investment
involved.
Materials having higher values but constitute small percentage of total items, are
grouped in 'A' category. On the other hand, a large percentage of items of
materials which represent a smaller percentage of the values, are grouped in 'C'
category. Items of materials having moderate value 'and moderate size are
grouped in 'B' category. On the basis of physical quantities and value of arterials
used, the following table illustrates the above classification:
After the items of materials are classified into A, B and C category, control can be
exercised in a selective manner as follows:
(i)
Greater care and strict control should be exercised on the items of category
'A' as any loss or breakage or wastage of any item of this category many
prove to be very costly. Economic order quantity and re-order level
should be carefully fixed for such category of items.
(ii)
Moderate and relaxed control is required for the items of category 'B'.
(iii)
There is not much need for exercising control over the items of category
'C' Periodic or annual verification is required for this category of
materials.

Production and Material Management

Q 2.
Ans

35

Explain make or buy decision?


Make or buy decision is always a valid concept in business. No organization
should attempt to make something by their own, when they stand the
opportunity to buy the same for much less price.
When you are supposed to make a make-or-buy decision, there are four numbers
you need to be aware of. Your decision will be based on the values of these four
numbers.
The volume
The fixed cost of making
Per-unit direct cost when making
Per-unit cost when buying
Now, there are two formulas that use the above numbers. They are 'Cost to Buy'
and 'Cost to Make'. The higher value loses and the decision maker can go ahead
with the less costly solution.
Cost to Buy (CTB) = Volume x Per-unit cost when buying
Cost to Make (CTM) = Fixed costs + (Per-unit direct cost x volume)
Reasons for Making:
There are number of reasons a company would consider when it comes to
making in-house. Following are a few:
Cost concerns
Desire to expand the manufacturing focus
Need of direct control over the product
Intellectual property concerns
Quality control concerns
Supplier unreliability
Lack of competent suppliers
Volume too small to get a supplier attracted
Reduction of logistic costs (shipping etc.)
To maintain a backup source
Political and environment reasons
Organizational pride
Reasons for Buying:
Following are some of the reasons companies may consider when it comes to
buying from a supplier:
Lack of technical experience
Supplier's expertise on the technical areas and the domain
Cost considerations
Need of small volume
Insufficient capacity to produce in-house
Brand preferences

36

Strategic partnerships
The Process:
The make or buy decision can be in many scales. If the decision is small in nature
and has less impact on the business, then even one person can make the decision.
The person can consider the pros and cons between making and buying and
finally arrive at a decision.
When it comes to larger and high impact decisions, usually organizations follow
a standard method to arrive at a decision. This method can be divided into four
main stages as below.

1. Preparation:
Team creation and appointment of the team leader
Identifying the product requirements and analysis
Team briefing and aspect/area destitution
2. Data Collection:
Collecting information on various aspects of make-or-buy decision
Workshops on weightings, ratings, and cost for both make-or-buy
3. Data Analysis:
Analysis of data gathered
4. Feedback:
Feedback on the decision made
By following the above structured process, the organization can make an
informed decision on make-or-buy. Although this is a standard process for

Production and Material Management

37

making the make-or-buy decision, the organizations can have their own
varieties.
Conclusion:
Make-or-buy decision is one of the key techniques for management practice. Due
to the global outsourcing, make-or-buy decision making has become popular and
frequent.
Since the manufacturing and services industries have been diversified across the
globe, there are a number of suppliers offering products and services for a
fraction of the original price. This has enhanced the global product and service
markets by giving the consumer the eventual advantage.
If you make a make-or-buy decision that can create a high impact, always use a
process for doing that. When such a process is followed, the activities are
transparent and the decisions are made for the best interest of the company.
Illustration No. 1
Adarsh& Co. has been purchasing a separate part from an outside source @ Rs.
11 per unit.Adarshs son, after completion of his MBA, has come up with a
proposal to improve profitability.
He has put up a proposal that the spare part be produced in the factory itself,
utilizing the availablefree space in the factory shed. For this purpose a machine
costing Rs. 80,000, with an annualcapacity of 20,000 units and a life of 10 years,
will be required. A foreman with a monthly salaryof Rs.600 will have to be
engaged. Materials required will be Rs. 3.00 per unit and wagesRs. 2.00 per unit.
Variable overheads are 150% of direct labour. The firm can easily raise funds
@ 10% p.a. There is a guaranteed requirement for the part, presently purchased,
for a periodof 12 years.
Advise the firm for purchase or making, based on the sons advice.
Solution:
Increase in Fixed Costs Rs.
Depreciation of Machine 8,000+
+Salary of Foreman 7,200
+Interest on Capital 8,000
= 23,200
Contribution per unit Rs.
Purchase Price 11
Less: Variable Cost: Rs. Material 3.00
Wages 2.00
Variable Overheads 3.00
= 8.00
Contribution per unit 3
Minimum Volume =23,200/3 = 7,733 units.

38

In order to accept the proposal, it is essential that the required volume should be
at least 7,733 units. In this case, the expected volume is 8,000 units. The firm has a
guaranteed demand for a period of 12 years, which is more than the life of the
fixed asset, which is to be bought.So, firm should go for manufacturing.

Production and Material Management

39

Unit V

Warehousing and Store Management

Multiple Choice Questions


1.

Which of the following is a function of inventory?


a.
to decouple or separate parts of the production process
b.
to provide a stock of goods that will provide a selection for customers
c.
to take advantage of quantity discounts
d.
to hedge against inflation
e.
all of the above are functions of inventory

2.

Which of the following would not generally be a motive for a firm to hold
inventories?
a.
to decouple or separate parts of the production process
b.
to provide a stock of goods that will provide a selection for customers
c.
to take advantage of quantity discounts
d.
to minimize holding costs

3.

All of the following statements about ABC analysis are true except
a.
inventory may be categorized by measures other than dollar volume
b.
it categorizes on-hand inventory into three groups based on annual dollar
volume
c.
it is an application of the Pareto principle
d.
it states that all items require the same degree of control
e.
it states that there are the critical few and the trivial many inventory items

4.

ABC analysis is based upon the principle that


a.
all items in inventory must be monitored very closely
b.
there are usually a few critical items, and many items which are less
critical
c.
an item is critical if its usage is high
d.
the safety stock in terms of volume should be higher for A items than for
C items

5.

Which of the following statements about ABC analysis is false?

40

a.
b.

c.
d.

6.

ABC
upon
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

ABC analysis is based on the presumption that controlling the few most
important
items produces the vast majority of inventory savings.
In ABC analysis, "A" Items are tightly controlled, have accurate records,
and receive regular review
by major decision makers.
In ABC analysis, "C" Items have minimal records, periodic review, and
simple controls.
ABC analysis is based on the presumption that all items must be tightly
controlled to produce important cost savings.
analysis divides on-hand inventory into three classes, generally based
item quality
unit price
the number of units on hand
annual demand
annual dollar volume

7.

Cycle counting
a.
is a process by which inventory records are verified once a year
b.
provides a measure of inventory accuracy
c.
provides a measure of inventory turnover
d.
assumes that all inventory records must be verified with the same
frequency 2

8.

Among the advantages of cycle counting is that it


a.
does not need to be performed for less expensive items
b.
does not require the detailed inventory records necessary when annual
physical inventory is used
c.
does not require highly trained people
d.
allows more rapid identification of errors and consequent remedial action
than is possible with annual physical inventory

9.

The two most basic inventory questions answered by the typical inventory
model are
a.
timing and cost of orders
b.
quantity and cost of orders
c.
timing and quantity of orders
d.
order quantity and service level

10.

A certain type of computer costs $1,000, and the annual holding cost is 25%.
Annual demand is 10,000 units, and the order cost is $150 per order. What is the
approximate economic order quantity?

Production and Material Management

11.

41

a.
70
b.
110
c.
250
d.
12,000
Most inventory models attempt to minimize
a.
the likelihood of a stockout
b.
the number of items ordered
c.
total inventory based costs
d.
the number of orders placed

12.

In the basic EOQ model, if the cost of placing an order doubles, and all other
values remain constant, the
EOQ will
a.
increase by about 41%
b.
increase by 100%
c.
increase by 200%
d.
either increase or decrease

13.

In the basic EOQ model, if D = 6,000 per year, S = $100, H = $5 per unit per
month, the Economic Order Quantity is approximately
a.
527
b.
100
c.
490
d.
142

14.

Which of the following statements about the basic EOQ model is true?
a.
If the ordering cost were to double, the EOQ would rise.
b.
If annual demand were to double, the EOQ would increase.
c.
If the carrying cost were to increase, the EOQ would fall.
d.
All of the above statements are true.

15.

Which of the following statements about the basic EOQ model is false?
a.
If the setup cost were to decrease, the EOQ would fall.
b.
If annual demand were to increase, the EOQ would increase.
c.
If the ordering cost were to increase, the EOQ would rise.
d.
If annual demand were to double, the EOQ would also double.

Multiple Choice Answers


1. e, 2. D, 3. D, 4. B, 5. D, 6. E, 7. B, 8. D, 9. C, 10. b
11. c, 12. A, 13. D, 14. D, 15. d
Q.1
Ans

What is store management?


Stores play a vita role in the operations of a company. It is in direct touch with

42

the user departments in its day-to-day activities. The most important purpose
served by the stores is to provide uninterrupted service to the manufacturing
divisions. Further, stores are often equated directed with money, as money is
locked up in the stored.
The functions of stores can be classified as follows:
(1)

To receive raw materials, components, tools equipments and other items


and account for them.

(2)

To provide adequate and proper storage and preservation to the various


items.

Q.2

Explain centralized store?

Ans

Meaning of centralized stores:


A centralized store is that store which receives materials for and issues them to
all departments, divisions and production floors of the company. Such a store
is only one in the company which receives materials for and issues to all who
need them. The materials required for all the departments and branches are
stored and issued by only one store.
Advantages Of Centralized Stores
The followings are the main advantages of centralized stores.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

A better supervision of store is possible because the store is located under


a single supervision.
A better layout of store and its control are possible.
Less space is occupied.
Investment in stock is minimized.
It is economical for storing materials.
Safety of materials is possible according to the nature of materials.
Trained and specialized persons can be appointed.
Wastage of materials can be minimized.

Production and Material Management

43

Disadvantages Of Centralized Store


The followings are the main disadvantages of centralized stores.
1. Delay in sending materials to the departments and branches.
2. Increase in material handling cost.
3. Greater risk of loss by fire.
4. Not suitable for a large company

Q.3

Explain decentralized store?

Ans

A decentralized store is that type of store which receives materials for and issues
them to only one department and not to the whole company. The decentralized
store may be in many numbers in the company, as each department has its
own such store. Purchasing and handling of materials are undertaken by each
and every department separately. If the volume of material activities is large,
this type of store is suitable because each and every branch has their own store
for facilitating smooth operations of their production activities.

Advantages Of Decentralized Stores


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Controlling a and storing function can be accomplished easily.


Delay in material handling will be eliminated.
Minimizes the chances of loss by fire.
No need of internal transportation costs.
Specific needs of individual departments can be easily fulfilled.
Saving in material handling cost.

Disadvantages Of Decentralized Stores


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Q.4

Higher cost of supervision.


More space is required for individual departments.
Higher amount of investment is required.
More time for stock taking and taking.
Higher cost of staff and stationary.
Improved technique is less possible for controlling of materials

Explain various methods of store accounting?

44

Ans

A Stores is a virtual money that can be encashed. However, this money needs to
be properly counted or accounted for. Stock accounting is thus a systematic way
of assessing the money value of the items lying in stores as also the items under
transaction through stores.
Transactions , in terms of receipts and issues are a regular feature in any stores
and therefore Stock accounting process , in most of the cases, concentrates only
on the stock in hand, lying in Stores.
The most popular methods of accounting are, FIFO i.e First In First Out and
LIFO, Last In First Out.
FIFO and LIFO Methods as accounting techniques are used in managing
inventory (Stock lying in Stores for future use) and financial matters involving
the amount of money a company has tied up within inventory of produced
goods, raw materials, parts, components, or feed stocks. These methods are used
to manage assumptions of cost flows related to inventory, stock repurchases (if
purchased at different prices), and various other accounting purposes.
FIFO standing for first-in, first-out, implies that the oldest inventory items are
recorded as sold first but do not necessarily mean that the exact oldest physical
object has been tracked and sold.
LIFO stands for last-in, first-out, meaning that the most recently produced items
are recorded as sold first. Since the 1970s, some U.S. companies shifted towards
the use of LIFO, which reduces their income taxes in times of inflation, but with
International Financial Reporting Standards banning the use of LIFO, more
companies have gone back to FIFO
First In First Out (FIFO)
This method assumes that inventory purchased first is sold first. Therefore,
inventory cost under FIFO method will be the cost of latest purchases. Consider
the following example:
Example
Bike LTD purchased 10 bikes during January and sold 6 bikes, details of which
are as follows:

Production and Material Management

45

January 1 Purchased 5 bikes @ $50 each


January 5 Sold 2 bikes
January 10 Sold 1 bike
January 15 Purchased 5 bikes @ 70 each
January 25 Sold 3 bikes
The value of 4 bikes held as inventory at the end of January may be calculated as
follows:
The sales made on January 5 and 10 were clearly made from purchases on 1st
January. Of the sales made on January 25, it will be assumed that 2 bikes relate to
purchases on January 1 whereas the remaining one bike has been issued from the
purchases on 15th January. Therefore, the value of inventory under FIFO is as
follows:
Date

Jan 1

Purchase

Issues

Units

$/Units

$
Total

50

250

Units

Inventory
$/Units

$
Total

$/Units

$
Total

50

250

Jan 5

50

100

50

150

Jan 10

50

50

50

100

70

350

Jan 15

70

350

Jan 15
Jan 25

3.

Units

7
2

50

100

70

70

The Weighted Average Cost Method

450

70

280

46

This method assumes that we sell all our inventories simultaneously.


The weighted average cost method is most commonly used in manufacturing
businesses where inventories are piled or mixed together and cannot be
differentiated, such as chemicals, oils, etc. Chemicals bought two months ago
cannot be differentiated from those bought yesterday, as they are all mixed
together.
So we work out an average cost for all chemicals that we have in our possession.
The method specifically involves working out an average cost per unit at each
point in time after a purchase
Q.5

Write comparison between LIFO AND FIFO?

Ans

Comparison chart
FIFO

LIFO

Stands for

First in, first out

Last in, first out

Unsold
inventory

Unsold inventory is comprised of Unsold inventory is comprised of the


goods acquired most recently.
earliest acquired goods.
If costs are increasing, the items
acquired first were cheaper. This
decreases the cost of goods sold
of
(COGS) under FIFO and increases
profit. The income tax is larger.
Value of unsold inventory is also
higher.

If costs are increasing, then recently


acquired items are more expensive.
This increases the cost of goods sold
(COGS) under LIFO and decreases the
net profit. The income tax is smaller.
Value of unsold inventory is lower.

Converse to the inflation scenario,


accounting profit (and therefore tax)
Effect
of
is lower using FIFO in a deflationary
Deflation
period. Value of unsold inventory, is
lower.

Using LIFO for a deflationary period


results in both accounting profit and
value of unsold inventory being
higher.

Effect
Inflation

Production and Material Management

FIFO

47

LIFO

Record
keeping

Since oldest items are sold first, the Since newest items are sold first, the
number of records to be maintained oldest items may remain in the
inventory for many years. This
decreases.
increases the number of records to be
maintained.

Fluctuations

Only the newest items remain in the


inventory and the cost is more
recent. Hence, there is no unusual
increase or decrease in cost of goods
sold.

Q.6
Ans

Goods from number of years ago may


remain in the inventory. Selling them
may result in reporting unusual
increase or decrease in cost of goods.

Give brief about stock verification?


It is the process of physically counting, measuring or weighing the entire range
of items in the stores and recording the results in a systematic manner. The
purposes served by stock verification are as follows:
o To reconcile the stock records and documents for their accuracy and
usefulness.
o To identify areas which require more disciplined document control
o To back up the balance sheet stock figures, and
o To minimize pilferage and fraudulent practices.
Stock verification is usually carried out by the materials audit department,
reporting to either the materials manager or the internal audit. One person is
usually given the exclusive responsibility with adequate facilities and authority.
Stock verification is usually carried out by the materials audit department,
reporting to either the materials manager or the internal audit. One person is
usually given the exclusive responsibility with adequate facilities and authority.
Physical verification can be carried out periodically or on continuous basis.
Periodic Verification
Under this system, the entire cross-section is verified at the end of one period,
which is usually the accounting period. In big organizations this is not achieved
in a day and usually several days are taken to complete this task. As no

48

transactions can take place during the verification, this could pose some
problems. Physical verification requires careful planning and execution. The
various steps involved are detailed below:

Important Exam Questions


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Define Production Management


Discuss the system concept of production management
Discuss different Models of production systems with suitable examples
List out the basic functions of production management
Define operation management, state the historical development of OM
Explian different Factors influencing plant locationWhat is Plant layout and what are its Types of layout?
What is meant by productivity?
An automobile company has extra capacity that can be used to produce gears
that the company has been buying for Rs.300 each. if the company makes the
gears, it will incur materials cost of Rs.90 per unit, labour cost of Rs.120 per
unit and variable overhead cost of Rs.30 per unit. The annual fixed cost
associated with the unused capacity is Rs.2, 40,000. Demand over the next
year is estimated at 4000 units. Would it be profitable for the company to
make the gears.
10. What is the required systems capacity ?
11. ABC Corporation has developed a forecast for a group of items that has the
following seasonal demand pattern.
12. Quarter Demand
Cumulative Demand
1
270
270
2
220
490
3
470
960
4
670
1630
5
450
2080
6
270
2350
7
200
2550
8
370
2920
1.
Suppose that the firm estimates that it costs Rs.150 per unit to
increase the production rate, Rs.200 to decrease the production rate,
Rs.50 per quarter to carry the items on inventory, and an
incremental cost of Rs.100 per unit if subcontracted.
2.
Compare the cost incurred if pure strategies are used.
13. What is service level?
14. What is ment by Safety stock?

Production and Material Management

49

15. What do you mean by Re- Order point?


16. List out and explain different types of model of inventory system
17. Derive the EOQ formula for the purchase model without shortages
18. Explain the basic principles and Bottlenecks in implementing JIT in Indian
Industry
19. Briefly explain the steps which are followed in a KANBAN system
20. List out and explain the control systems in inventory.
21. Beta industry estimates that it will sell 24000 units of its product for the
forthcoming year.theodering cost is rs.150 per order and the carring cost per
unit per year is 20% of the purchase price per unit.the purchase price per unit
is rs.50
Find
EOQ
No. of oredrs per year
Time between successive orders
Total annual cost
22. The demand for an item is 18000 per year. Its production rate is 3000 per
month. the carrying cost is Re.0.15/unit/month and the set-up cost is Rs.500
per set-up. the shortage cost is Rs20.00 per unit per year. find the various
parameters of the inventory system.
23. The annual demand for an item is 48000 units per year. The average lead time
is 4 weeks. the standard deviation of a demand during the average lead time
is 75 units / week. The cost of ordering is Rs.400 per order. The cost of
purchase of the product per unit is Rs.10. the cost of carrying per unit per
year is 15% of the purchase price. The maximum delay in lead time is 2 weeks
and the probability of this delay is 0.25. assume a service level of 0.95 . If Q
system is followed, find the reorder level.
24. If P system is followed, find the maximum inventory
25. 14.A job consists of three work elements and all are performed by the same
operator. An analyst conducted work sampling to determine the standard
time for the job. the duration of the study is two shifts each with 400 minutes
of effective time. The details of the observations are summarized in the
following table. The total number of acceptable units produced during the
study period is 150 units. Determine the standard time by assuming the
allowance of 10%
26. Work
element

27. Frequency of
28. performance

29. Performance
30. rating

31. 1

32. 70

33. 80%

34. 2

35. 80

36. 120%

37. 3

38. 50

39. 110%

50

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